"The Hongmen Banquet?" On August 20, 2025, local time, the French side stated that Russian President Putin proposed to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Moscow during a phone call with US President Trump, but this proposal was rejected by Zelenskyy. Why did he refuse? Why not let the European gang accompany him for support? Putin's move is brilliant; the Europeans are not allowing Putin and Zelenskyy to meet, if Zelenskyy dares to come to Moscow, Putin will meet him, otherwise not. Zelenskyy must value his life, he also fears being trapped and detained by Russia, then handed over to Kadyrov for disposal. This is expected, regardless of whether it is a Hongmen Banquet or not, going to the other's capital is very much like a surrender ceremony on behalf of Ukraine. If Putin really acts decisively, killing Zelenskyy would be easy, could he even do it in Moscow? If he really goes to Moscow, Zelenskyy is afraid that the European countries will directly abandon him.
On August 20, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian authorities' refusal to remain neutral has caused Russia to lose the reason to recognize Ukraine's independence. Lavrov said: "If Zelenskyy now refuses the current ceasefire terms, starts secret nuclear weapons research and production, joins NATO, and abandons neutrality, then the basis for Russia to recognize Ukraine as an independent country disappears." Lavrov confirmed that Trump has received an invitation to visit Russia, and Trump expressed "very interest" in it. Zelenskyy still does not know Russia's red lines, does not know why Russia is waging this war. If Ukraine is allowed to join NATO, wouldn't the special military operation be in vain?
Europe has not gained any benefits from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which is the reason Europe does not want the war in Ukraine to end. Now ending the war would make all the previous military equipment investments sunk costs. Europe does not want the war to end. The strategic goals of Europe and the United States are completely different. Europe wants to weaken or disintegrate Russia, thereby eliminating the so-called threat of Russia and dividing Russia's resources. However, the United States does not want Russia to disappear. Once Russia disappears, Europe's strategic dependence on the United States will disappear, which is something the United States does not want to see. For Russia, the bottom line of negotiations is: Ukraine must be demilitarized, the four regions of Ukraine must be incorporated into Russia, Ukraine must guarantee not to join any military group, Ukraine must not carry out any anti-Russian propaganda and activities, Ukraine must compensate for the war aggression, and Ukraine's future diplomacy must be under Russia's jurisdiction. If these conditions are not met, Russia will not stop its offensive.
Original source: www.toutiao.com/article/1840963098297408/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.